Sergio Moraes Takes Split Decision Over Zak Ottow
A welterweight clash served as the opening bout for UFC Fight Night 100 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The two competitors doing battle were Sergio Moraes (11-2-1) and Zak Ottow (14-4).
“The Panther” fought hard in a split decision win that is sure to cause a stir in the mixed martial arts community.
Immediately, Moraes moved forward with a straight right hand. Ottow looked for a right hand of his own. The Brazilian went for a takedown to no avail. “”The Panther” went for a single leg takedown and dumped his opponent to the mat. Moraes moved to half guard, but didn’t do any significant damage. Moraes controlled the rest of the round.
Under a minute into the second stanza, Moraes landed a right hand. Ottow had his punches blocked. He moved forward and landed a right hand. “The Panther” didn’t attempt a takedown more than halfway through the round. “The Barbarian” looked to get into a rhythm as his opponent chose to stay standing. Finally, Moraes shot in but he was stuffed. Moraes landed a combination, his most effective offense in the round. A high kick from Ottow was block as the round ended.
The final frame began and Moraes landed a hard right hand, while his opponent kept attacking the leg with kicks. An overhand right from “The Panther” had Ottow wobbly and he proceeded to land a takedown. Unlike the first round, Ottow got back to his feet. “The Barbarian” put the pressure on his opponent, who couldn’t score another takedown. He connected with a one-two combination and a body kick. Moraes had no answer for his opponent’s kicks and strikes. Another body kick found the mark for Ottow. Moraes swung wild near the final horn.
One judge saw Ottow as the winner, but the other two judges gave Moraes all three rounds awarding the Brazilian the victory.
Final Result: Sergio Moraes def. Zak Ottow via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)
